NATO’S secretary-general has delivered a damning critique of plans for an EU army, describing it as a “ghost of the past” that has finally “been laid to rest”.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was giving a speech on transatlantic security

Jens Stoltenberg warned against forming a parallel armed forces made up exclusively of EU states, telling an event in Brussels that duplicating resources “would be like competing with ourselves”.

The former Norwegian prime minister, who now heads the 28-member bloc, called on Europe to spend more on defence, but only within the framework of NATO.

He said: “NATO nations and EU members simply cannot afford two sets of forces and capabilities.”

Speaking in the Belgian capital, the man charged with defending Europe from Russian aggression continued: “I know that when it comes to European Defence, a number of proposals have been put on the table. And that debate continues.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty

Polish troops land with parachutes at the military compound near Torun, central Poland as part of the NATO Anaconda-16 military exercise

Laying out where duplications were costing the alliance money and harming its efficiency on the battlefield, he said the United States has one type of infantry fighting vehicle while Europe has 19.

Similarly, America produces three types of air to air missiles - compared to 13 in Europe - and four different types of naval frigates, rather than the 29 in Europe.

Mr Stoltenberg also used the speech to try to repair relations between NATO and US president-elect Donald Trump.

During his election campaign, Mr Trump questioned whether the US should protect European allies that have low defence spending, raising fears that he could withdraw funding for the alliance at a time of greater tensions with Russia.

But he said he was “absolutely confident” that the Republican victor would maintain US leadership in the alliance.

EPA

Jens Stoltenberg warned against forming a parallel armed forces made up exclusively of EU states

REUTERS

Just five NATO countries meet the 2 per cent of GDP spending target

A stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe meant a stronger, safer and more prosperous America, he said, adding: “That is an essential lesson of twentieth century history. And we should not forget it. Especially in uncertain times such as these.”

Just five NATO countries meet the 2 per cent of GDP spending target and Mr Stoltenberg has lobbied member states to increase defence spending.

He said Europe and Canada were increasing their budgets by 3 per cent this year, but many nations are still failing to meet their obligation.

Mr Stoltenberg said: ”We have started to move, although there is a very long way to go.